2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead

Since 1925, Rolls-Royce’s renowned Phantom has been praised as the ultimate Luxury sedan. From serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s official state car and ceremonial duties for Spain’s dictator, Francisco Franco, to cameos in Indiana Jones and Goldfinger, the Phantom has been the benchmark of regal sophistication. Its unique history and exclusivity stem from some purposely limited production years — only 18 were manufactured between 1946 and 1956 — making it as elusive as its namesake. But what gives this high-roller chariot its elasticity? Is it the hand craftsmanship, the coach doors or the mandatory echelon of success in order to own one?

Fast forward to the present day and indeed the Phantom has come a long way from the 3-speed manual transmission in its not-so-humble beginnings. It has seen eight decades of classic excellence, and the Phantom is as royal as those it has escorted.

Although BMW took the reigns back in 2003, Rolls-Royce has maintained its flamboyant element and glamorous tradition. With a cap of 10,000 Phantoms to be produced and a 25-car run of the limited edition Phantom Black slated, the luxury manufacturer has only built on its reputation. With predecessors like the Silver Ghost, Silver Seraph, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow, the 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe is not to disappoint. A new aesthetic for Rolls-Royce, however, does pose the question: Is tacking on a convertible top and chopping the number of doors in half worth the $407,000 sticker price?

Luxury and practicality are the name of the game in this challenge. There are 50 ideal points in each category.

The luxury ride

Customs and traditions are developed with time. The corporate wigs at BMW have recognized this, and they’ve consequently charted a course toward tradition with a twist for the Phantom. Originally manifested as an incarnation of the acclaimed 2004 100EX concept car, the Drophead was polished even further with subtle tweaks in a 1930’s art deco and the newly re-engineered aluminum spaceframe. Rolls Royce has always been the Dom. Romane Conti of luxury vehicles, and much like wine, the Phantom only gets better with time.

The colossal, hand-crafted, 6.7-liter V12, generates a hardy 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. With a redline top end rated at 149 mph, governed by a 6-speed automatic transmission, it hauls all 5,776 pounds of mass to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Proper weight distribution was imperative as the chassis was adjusted accordingly to thwart the “convertible effect,” being the resignation of rigidity that follows scrapping the roof. The tachometer gets scrubbed for a power-reserve dial that displays how much power is available in reserve for the driver. All of this allows for a ride as smooth as the pilot looks behind the wheel.

Notwithstanding its improved aero technology, fully adjustable shocks, and electronic grip control, a wheelbase of 130.7” and a length of 220.8” aren’t going to do much through a slalom. Twenty-one inch alloys hugged with Goodyear tires and ventilated discs aid the shallow turning radius, but the Drophead won’t be winning any autocrosses anytime soon. Overall, piloting it within its parameters is a pleasant experience.

The Rolls-Royce devotee is well portrayed as one who is chauffeured. Given this nature, I believe the consumer would purchase this vehicle with greater intent paid to the frills in lieu of the 453 ponies; nonetheless, the Drophead delivers.

Find out the luxury verdict and get a load of the Phantom’s practicality…